Now that I have a back quiver, I'm trying to decide what I should use to carry my hunting gear: a Fanny pack or a Haversack.
A Fanny pack is out of the way and seems to be the best choice, but the quick access to your gear in a haversack seems to be useful too.
What's your preference?
Been using a BisonGear haversack for the last two years ... would not go back to any fanny pack that I ever owned. It has never been in the way for any shot I needed to take. Just one man's opinion.
I have a haversack that Gray Wolf Woolens made for me a few years back. I gave Jeff some input, and he ran with it from there. Five zippered pockets, some with dividers. Have used nothing else since i got it. So I vote for the haversack!
Look up Ribz gear. they have a front pack that zips up like a vest. it carries all my normal day pack gear and does not interfere with drawing the longbow. I get in and out of the truck or UTV without ever taking it off. worth a look
I had a Asbell haversack and sold it. I loved the simplicity of the haversack but love the organization of the fanny pack more. Also like that the fanny pack is more out of the way.
I used fanny packs for years. My hunting buddy made me a haversack a few years ago. I would never go back to a fanny pack.
Fanny packs slip off my rear end too much, need to have should straps like bison gear, I have a Ribz and while I have not bowhunted with it on, it sure would be worth looking into, it is a good well thought out product.
I favor haversacks.
It doesn't always work out, but I have used a version of a game vest (with pockets all around, to carry my stuff pretty well.
ChuckC
I ordered the Haversack from the Asbells and I've given it a try numerous times, but it slips around my backside when stumping and when trying to get under low bush when hunting ,I also was unable to find what I wanted from it when needed.. I to have gone back to a bow hunting vest with numerous pockets. Maxx
Thanks for all the responces.
Still not sure which way to go, but I just remembered that I do have a small Fanny pack on my Eberlestock JP9, so maybe I'll try that for a while. It doesn't have much capacity, but I was looking at some Browning wool pants with cargo pockets that might carry enough extra gear without being too bulky to get me by for now.
I use a fanny pack that has shoulder straps like a backpack. Perfect for using with my side stalker...I can also strap things to it on the straps.....
I have a Thigh pack I like. It has a belt for the waist and straps to the leg. It's nice to have stuff at hand while moving or sitting. It's fleece and about half the size of a large butt-pack and holds more than I need for local hunts. I wear the belt on the outside of my jacket and put a water bottle on the belt.
I also use a molle 2 sustainment pack with a shoulder strap as a haversack sometimes. It's a very handy bag and are cheap but very durable.
I started using a Haversack this fall from the Asbells. Love it, plan to stick with it.
I've used a haversack from Bisongear this year, carried it everyday since mid September. It's a very well made product, carries easily and enables you to keep your gear fairly well organized. Mine is made of hemp and has a classic look to it..
The Bisongear haversack looks nice. Might have to do a bit more research on it.
Why not both,
(http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/h477/njloco/IMG_1701.jpg)
This is a Kifaru Tailgunner, (TG-!)
Have a Bison gear haversack. Just one more strap to contend with, binos, back quiver, haversack not a good working combo for a roving ground hunter. Ok for going to a stand. I would go with the fanny pack if you've got the backside to support it which I don't.
58
I too have been searching for a solution to carry the things I need. I am not going to be carrying much stuff at all, but I need something that will let me carry water too.
One of the options I have thought about is something maybe you should also look in to. It is a side pack like a Haversack, but more "tactical" I guess is the word. They have separate compartments and dividers for your gear with water bottle holders and they hang from your side. The best made are by MAXPEDITION and the models are called VERSIPACKS. Check them out, they are really nice. I have even seen and read where some creative members have figured out how to attach a quiver to them and have it all work together.
I still haven't settled on a solution though. The side packs like the Versipacks are in the running though.
Nalajr
I use a large and small fanny pack when with my backquiver. Both have shoulder straps, sit comfortable and don't get in the way of my quiver.
Top left is my large pack, right is the smaller one.
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a281/sf1oak/P6230001.jpg)
i know this wasnt the question, but i sure love the simplicity of a cat quiver- the arrows are quite AND dry.tons of space- one less thing to remember( as we get older!!)
Haversack, hands down. I sell the Asbell Haversack on my site, but I use several. Canvas ones are nice if you spend any time small game hunting in thorns.
I "discovered" the haversack when I was in the Army. I hated the issue "butt pack" until I put a medic bag strap on it and carried it as a haversack. For me it's about having access to my stuff.
I lean towards the fanny pack because it stays out of the way but there are times when I grab the haversack like when I'm not going to do a lot of walking.
I use both depending on what the situation calls for. I will use my haversack if I am taking my stand or groundblind in. This way I can strap my extra clothes onto the stand or blind. If I am going to a stand or blind that is already set up I will use my waistpack so that I can strap my extra clothes to it. Both of mine are made by Bison Gear and they are a great company to deal with.
I have the problem with the fanny pack staying up. I have never tried a Haversack, but would like to.
I have a haversack with zippered side pockets and three inner pockets. It allows me to keep the gear organized. I don't know if I would like it with a back quiver. I have gone to a bow quiver so that my back is free for haversack and groundblind seat or treestand.
Now I wish I had spent some more time at the Asbell booth when I was at the Kalamazoo Expo. Maybe I'll be able to make it down there again this year.
I tried the fanny pack off of my Blue Widow. It works, but I have to move it to the side a bit, so I'm thinking that a fanny pack big enough to carry what I need might not work too well.
I also tried moving it to the front. That works fairly well. Not sure how a bigger fanny pack will work. Might have to go to Sportsmans Warehouse and try some larger ones. Will just have to make sure no one is watching me put on a fanny pack the wrong way!
It's looking like a haversack might just be the way to go, or maybe a chest pack. We'll see.....
I've used a old military surplus butt pack modified by adding a shoulder strap for many years now. I like it much better than a fanny pack. I've been eye-balling the Asbell pack, just haven't let go of the money yet.
I've used a old military surplus butt pack modified by adding a shoulder strap for many years now. I like it much better than a fanny pack. I've been eye-balling the Asbell pack, just haven't let go of the money yet.
Asbell haversack works great for me. :goldtooth:
I've used both but I prefer the fanny pack with detachable shoulder straps...its more organized and more versatile..It stays in place much better than my GFA haversack. If I decide to hunt really light then I can take the shoulder straps off the fanny pack. When its cold out and I want to stay out all day, I can really load up the fanny pack and even tie an extra jacket to it as well as a small 3 legged stool should i decide to sit and post for a while.
The Haversack found new life with me as a replacement for my old possibles bag when I take out the TC .50 cal sidelock for the late muzzleloader season..
I have a Filson canvas bag as well as an Asbell haversack. I like both of them, because I can carry extra stuff to the stand. However, for the basics such as camo gloves, facemask, cough drops (which I absolutely can't hunt without), extra tab, I use the pockets of my pants and hunting vest.
The Kifaru Scout has worked well for me.
wife got me one from old crow its all leather and nice.
Started with a fanny pack and did like it, but mine always start moving around and I found I was frankly carrying too much gear with me for a fanny pack to be viable without shoulder straps. Got an Asbell haversack and really enjoyed it (however, for this entire season I used an Eberlestock Mini-me and absolutely love it; incredibly versatile pack that isn't gigantic).
If you use a haversack and dislike it when you can't find things quickly, I suggest trying something like the Grid-It by Cocoon. I've used one of these with my Asbell haversack and it works great for keeping items organized.
Also, for carrying water, I use a Platypus Plus Bottle (basically a collapsible bottle with a 'sport cap' on it that holds a liter) -- squeeze the air out of it before sealing it up (same idea as the hydration packs) and it won't slosh around and make a lot of noise when walking like regular, stiff plastic/metal water bottles do.
I checked out Grid-it. Has possibilities. Thanks for the tip.
can someone post a pic of the bisongear haversack, can't find one on their site...
Green Arrow, Go on their site and click on store and you will see one.
got it, thanks JV. that thing looks huge to me. nice though!
I really don't take a whole lot of stuff with me, so I usually wear a fanny pack
I just bought the black Asbell haversack. The green one seemed a bit on the large side. I guess I'll find out when the black one gets here. I plan on using it along with a hill backquiver. I'm hoping they both get along well together.
Size comparison of Bison Gear Haversack, Asbell Haversack and Kifaru Tailgunner 1 set up as a shoulder bag with a few extra pouches. I use the BG and a Kifaru Scout the most.
The Tailgunner can be set up as a shoulder bag (one strap) or with 2 shoulder straps or with a waist belt/fanny pack (no shoulder straps)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/LostArrow/Packs/DSCN1350.jpg)
I've had the same day pack made from Saddle cloth for 15 years now. i tried a fanny pack a few years back and felt naked without all my stuff i usually carry.
I like having enough stuff to survive 3 days comfortably on my back at all times. I never hunt without my pack, and keep it stocked year round and my bow at arms reach so i can grab my bow and go at a moments notice.... i think i'm due for a replacement pack though...
but.... i use a bow quiver and that makes it not an issue. Kirk
(http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u301/kirkll/Hunting%20pics/late%20hunt%202012/SANY0026.jpg)
I looked at a cheap "sport bag" at Sportsman's Warehouse. I did sling it over my shoulder, and it gave me an idea of what it would be like walking and shooting with it on.
While I don't think I'd ever buy it, it did have some nice features: a nice top flap with a zippered mesh pocket, two full width compartments, the narrower of the two has 6-mesh pockets, and another zippered full width sleeve.
On both ends, there are zippered pocket.
I wish it was it bit better quality. At $25, maybe I should take a chance wiith it. Could always use it as a template for a home brew haversack.
Had been using a fanny pack up front but never really likes it. Switched to an old Claymore bandoleer this season and I like it a lot better.